New OSU Project Could Help Predict Pandemic Surges

A project at Oklahoma State University can help predict pandemic surges before they overwhelm the healthcare system. 

The influx of cases is predicted through a process of analyzing data through genetic material found in the coronavirus. 

It all starts with nasal swab samples that are collected at doctor’s offices from patients who test positive for COVID-19. 

Through those millions of samples in a database, OSU researchers are able to actively see how fast the virus is mutating and what it can do next. 

From there, medical professionals are able to prepare for a surge in cases. 

The process isn’t just predicting surges in the state, but it has proven its success all over the globe. 

“We issue watches and warnings,” Dr. Pratul Agarwal said. “We issued our first watch in June of last year, and then we issued a second watch in September. In the case of June, we saw an increase across the world, and in September's case, we saw an increase in Europe, so it has been validated and successful.” 

This system has the potential to make predictions about other illnesses such as monkeypox or the common flu, if and when enough samples become available. 

To sign up to receive watch or warning alerts through your email, click here.